Kia K5 vs Chevrolet Cruze

2018 Chevrolet Cruze
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
$16,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Kia K5
2025 Kia K5
$27,190MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
$16,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Kia K5
$27,190MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2011-2019

Years produced

2021-Present

MSRP

$16,975

MSRP

$27,190

Listings

4799

Listings

9579

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great ride quality

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • No hybrid powertrain

  • Touch-sensing climate controls

  • Not much fun to drive (all but GT)

Reviews Summary

As the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.”

Reviews Summary

Kia has updated the stylish 2025 K5 with new exterior lighting, revised front and rear styling, and redesigned wheels. The only turbocharged version is now the GT sports sedan; other K5 models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with less real-world driving punch than the previously-standard turbo four. New technology, redesigned dashboard controls, and more standard features are also on the menu, and Kia’s family car remains a good value.

Verdict: Unfortunately, the 2025 Kia K5 still doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain like its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Sonata, does. It’s also less enjoyable to drive, thanks to this year’s engine swap. However, the new tech impresses, the K5 remains stylish and comfortable, and it costs less than some rivals.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.4L 153 hp I4

Engine

2.5L 191 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

153 hp @ 5600 rpm

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

26

MPG Highway

40

MPG Highway

37
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
$16,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Kia K5
2025 Kia K5
$27,190MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
$16,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Kia K5
$27,190MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2011-2019
2021-Present
MSRP
$16,975
$27,190
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.3

4.8

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great ride quality

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • No hybrid powertrain

  • Touch-sensing climate controls

  • Not much fun to drive (all but GT)

Summary
As the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.”

Kia has updated the stylish 2025 K5 with new exterior lighting, revised front and rear styling, and redesigned wheels. The only turbocharged version is now the GT sports sedan; other K5 models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with less real-world driving punch than the previously-standard turbo four. New technology, redesigned dashboard controls, and more standard features are also on the menu, and Kia’s family car remains a good value.

Verdict: Unfortunately, the 2025 Kia K5 still doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain like its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Sonata, does. It’s also less enjoyable to drive, thanks to this year’s engine swap. However, the new tech impresses, the K5 remains stylish and comfortable, and it costs less than some rivals.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
1.4L 153 hp I4
2.5L 191 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
153 hp @ 5600 rpm
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
MPG City
27
26
MPG Highway
40
37
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